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Searching for the best modern baby boy names for 2023? Say goodbye to Justin and Tyler and Brandon – because it’s 2023 and there’s a new kid on the block.
Sure, you’re searching for a unique name, and you like the idea of modern baby names, but, you may be wondering, how, exactly, is a baby name deemed modern?
I’m a baby names expert, and here’s my take:
What is a Modern Name for a Boy?
When it comes to determining which baby names, exactly, fall into the ‘modern’ category, it’s both a science and an art.
If we were to leave it to science, a modern name for a boy would be one that has only made its debut on the baby name charts in recent years, has maintained its standing for a few years, and generally, increases in popularity year over year.
But that would leave out a whole handful of up and coming baby names.
The names that are mentioned repeatedly in baby name TikToks, deep in the Reddit baby name forums, and being used by mommy influencers from around the world.
Like I said – both an art and a science.
But, the good news is, that’s exactly what this whole collection of baby names aims to do – share with you my top picks for the best modern baby boy names in 2023, along with some important info about each of them.
When the popularity of a baby name is referenced, I’ve grabbed the info from the United States’ Social Security Administration‘s 2022 baby name records.
Without further ado, let’s get to the list –
Modern Baby Boy Names with Cowboy Vibes
Kicking off our list is my favorite style of baby names – rustic, western boy names. This genre of baby names has taken over the charts in the past few years and has quickly become the style for many top baby boy names:
- Dutton
- Colter
- Weston
- Wells
- Easton
- Hudson
- Sawyer
- Baker
- Wyatt
- Bodie
- Stetson
- Riggs
- Beau
- Waylon
- Wes
- Rhett
- Denver
- Kashton
- Walker
- Bowen
- Emerson
- Hayden
- Bentley
- Beckett
- Westley
- Brooks
- Trace
- Knox
Modern Names with Vintage Vibes
As the famous saying goes, everything old is new again – and it’s a great thought to start with when looking for baby boy name inspiration.
This next set of names has stood the test of time. Each one is a traditional name that has grown in popularity over the last few years, and would make the perfect choice for a sweet little boy in 2023.
- Harrison
- Jude
- Wilson
- Ellis
- Ford
- Roman
- Emmett
- Grady
- Otto
- August
Cool Modern Baby Boy Names
Looking for a trendy name for your baby boy?
These cool baby boy names are inspired by pop culture – from celebrity name trends, to influencers across your favorite platforms, this list of baby boy names is full of contemporary names that are totally in:
- Axel
- Crew
- Greyson
- Hendrix
- Lincoln
- Camden
- Maverick
- Ace
- Milo
- Lane
- Zayden
- Cruz
- Tripp
- Beckham
- Zane
Last Names as First Names
Yet another current trend in the world of baby names is using a name classically used as a surname, for a first name. With a classic Americana feel, these names are flying up the baby charts:
- Cooper
- Hunter
- Henderson
- Jensen
- Colson
- Shepherd
- Hayes
- Lewis
- Copeland
- Smith
- Campbell
- Hartley
- Wells
- Anderson
- Jones
- Ford
- Callahan
Nature-Inspired Modern Boy Names
Our next style of modern baby names for boys are nature names. This list of modern baby boy names is inspired by all things fire, water, earth and air.
For moms looking for a baby name with an outdoorsy feel for their new addition, these unique boy names inspired by nature are the perfect pick:
- Forrest
- River
- Stone
- Ocean
- Aire
- Atlas
- Bear
- Onyx
- Everest
- Ridge
Unique Modern Boy Names
Next up, these unique baby boy name ideas are all totally different – and even a little surprising – but for mamas searching for something totally uncommon, one of these could be the perfect name:
- Chosen
- Kaizen
- Koa
- Truett
- Kylo
- Royal
- Phoenix
- Baylor
- Lennox
- Saint
- Wylder
Modern Baby Boy Names from the Bible
It’s no secret that some of the most popular baby boy names from the past century – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – have been from the Bible.
While these classic names aren’t likely to drop off the charts any time soon, here are some of the new names climbing the charts:
- Micah
- Ezra
- Gideon
- Josiah
- Judah
- Silas
- Malakai
Wrapping Up
I hope that these modern baby boy names that I’ve picked out have left you feeling inspired and excited to give that little one a name – and that at least a handful of them have made it on to your list of favorites!
For more inspo, check out a few more of my hand-picked lists below –
Read Next:
50+ *Precious* Soft Boy Names For Your Little Babe
